Genome‐scan analysis for genetic mapping of quantitative trait loci underlying birth weight and onset of puberty in doe kids (Capra hircus)

Abstract

The objective of this study was to locate quantitative trait loci (QTL) causing variation in birth weight and age of puberty of doe kids in a population of Rayini cashmere goats. Four hundred and thirty kids from five half-sib families were genotyped for 116 microsatellite markers located on the caprine autosomes. The traits recorded were birth weight of the male and female kids, body weight at puberty, average daily gain from birth to age of puberty and age at puberty of the doe kids. QTL analysis was conducted using the least squares interval mapping approach. Linkage analysis indicated significant QTL for birth weight on Capra hircus chromosomes (CHI) 4, 5, 6, 18 and 21. Five QTL located on CHI 5, 14 and 29 were associated with age at puberty. Across-family analysis revealed evidence for overlapping QTL affecting birth weight (78 cM), body weight at puberty (72 cM), average daily gain from birth to age of puberty (72 cM) and age at puberty (76 cM) on CHI 5 and overlapping QTL controlling body weight at puberty and age at puberty on CHI 14 at 18-19 cM. The proportion of the phenotypic variance explained by the detected QTL ranged between 7.9% and 14.4%. Confirming some of the previously reported results for birth weight and growth QTL in goats, this study identified more QTL for these traits and is the first report of QTL for onset of puberty in doe kids.

Caprine Genome Analysis Reveals Valuable Insights into Selection of Enhanced Phenotypic Traits to Enable Improved Goat Breeding Programs

“…While thousands and hundreds of quantitative trait loci (QTL) have been identified in cattle and sheep, respectively, only around 10 genome scans have been performed in goats to identify favourable traits including improved birth weight, rate of growth, wool fibre quality, and resistance to nematode infections (e.g. Esmailizadeh, 2014). In contrast, a considerable effort has been devoted to the characterization of candidate genes and their association with increased milk, meat and reproduction phenotypes (e.g.…”

Identification of Markers Associated with Birth Weight in Boer Goat

“…Currently, SNP panel are widely used to identify markers for various traits in livestock such as body weight (Esmailizadeh 2014;Jung et al 2014;Somavilla 2014), reproductive (Tart et al 2013;Sasaki et al 2015;Farah et al 2016;Ortega et al 2016) and carcass traits (Onogi et al 2015;Skok et al 2016). SNP panel are also used in genetic diversity studies (Nicoloso et al 2015;Manunza et al 2016;Visser et al 2016).…”